Chaos in the Arndale centre as masked gangs hurl chairs at each other with two youths arrested

Video footage captured chaotic scenes unfolding in the Arndale shopping centre on Boxing Day - as two youths were arrested.

The clip, filmed on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, showed a large group of young people throwing chairs across the shopping centre towards another group. Some of the group appeared to be wearing balaclavas and masks.

The footage showed security staff trying to intervene, but chairs were continuously launched across the food court area. Others filmed the incident and shouted among the mayhem.

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Police confirmed officers were called to the shopping centre at around 5pm to reports of a 'disturbance involving a large group of people'. Two youths were arrested at the scene.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said both had since been released under investigation. A probe into the incident is now underway with officers working to 'locate and apprehend the remaining suspects'.

Chief Inspector Peter Crowe, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: "We will not stand for any forms of criminality or anti-social behaviour in the city centre or across Greater Manchester. We successfully detained two individuals and are continuing to investigate the disorder to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects.

"The arrests were made possible through the fast and effective multi-agency response to the incident which I’m sure will have caused fear and anxiety to those present. Rest assured we will continue to work together with the local authority and local businesses to ensure everyone is safe to enjoy the festive season.

"Our neighbourhood and Operation Vulcan officers will continue to patrol around the